Thirty-Seven Stones: P*ssing Strange

Passing a kidney stone is one of the most painful things known to man- they say the agony connected with it is analogous to that of giving birth.  Mark J. Chaney's play Thirty-Seven Stones, or the Man Who Was a Quarry, is a darkly humorous look at the topic.  Nathan (Steven Strobel) is a man who has been afflicted  by 36 kidney stones since he was a teenager, and is currently working on his 37^th at the start of the play.  Through non-linear flashbacks, we meet his overbearing, incestuously inappropriate mother (Mary Round), whose mental abuse nearly cripples Nathan for the future prospects of love with his girlfriend, later wife, Erin (Emily B. Murray).  The kidney stones become a metaphor for his unhealthy attachments- once Nathan can dissolve the toxic elements of his life, he can move on; sure it's painful, but it has to be gone through.  It's excellent writing, funny but never sacrificing the pain that's underneath the comedy.

The performers are all great- Mr. Strobel (who I enjoyed in a previous Working Man's Clothes production) is wonderful as Nathan, inhabiting the character at every age from young kid to adult father-to-be.  His simultaneous attraction to and repulsion from his mother's inappropriate love is played realistically and impressively.  Ms. Round is a magnificent demon as his mother- though her character is jaw-droppingly wrong in so many ways, we never lose empathy for this clearly frightened woman.  Great supporting work is done by Ellen David as the self-centered Aunt Fanny, who's as much of a nutbag as her sister, and who supports her every lunacy.  (I'd also seen Round and David in a different previous Working Man's Clothes production, in which they each only had one scene- it's great to see these talented actresses get a chance to stretch out into larger roles.)  Dane Peterson is adorable and believable as Randy, Nathan's younger brother, and then develops a core of strength as his maligned not-the-favorite-son character matures into a spiteful young man.  Emily B. Murray is a grounded and vital presence as Nathan's long-suffering girlfriend.  Bobby Moreno is hilarious as a doctor who informs the audience about the origin, treatment, and pain of kidney stones as if lecturing a class, as well as appearing as a wonderful deadpan rabbi.  Emily Perkins is a perky bundle of joy as a nurse and as Nathan's bitchy cousin.

Director Will Neuman does a fine job, keeping the action moving.  He wisely avoids Jewish stereotypes in the play- though they're funny, these characters are more Alfred Uhry than Neil Simon.

The set by Jessica Parks, is especially fine, with crenellated set pieces that reveal just enough to evoke a scene; also impressive bringing a bathtub and a toilet onstage.

David Ogle's sound design is great, setting the mood wonderfully (the doctor's Epcot-like theme is especially appropriate).

The Looking Glass Theater was having power problems at the preview I attended, and they couldn't use the stage fixtures, so the show was lit with fluorescent work lights, so I can't speak for Eric Larson's lighting design.  They hope to have this fixed soon.  Despite the technical issue, the cast rallied for a highly entertaining show.

Thirty-Seven Stones, or The Man Who Was a Quarry
Working Man's Clothes Productions

The Looking Glass Theater
422 W 57th St. Between 9th and 10th

April 9th through 26th, Thurs-Sat at 8pm
Tickets $18, smarttix.com or 212-868-4444

Photos:
1. Steven Strobel, Mary Round
2. Steven Strobel, Dane Peterson

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